Bulletin Board

Dear Mr Cornwell, I first wrote to you some years ago when I started reading my first Sharpe book. I have now read all of them (except 'Sharpe's Fury' which I've just bought and will start very soon!)and thanks to you I also began to read Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series. However, I must say that, until I read 'Sharpe's Trafalgar,' there were many things about those old ships that I did not understand. Thank you for having them so carefully explained to Sharpe the landlubber, so that the rest of us landlubbers could understand as well! To help my understanding of ship matters further, I purchased a book called 'Jack Aubrey Commands' by Brian Lavery, and was delighted to read in it that your book, 'Sharpe's Trafalgar' is referred to as the best fictional account of a real sea battle in any book! In addition, I'd like to add my praise to the person who posted here a few days ago, commending you on the wonderful diagram of the ship layout in the inside cover of your book. Whenever I'm reading a Jack Aubrey story (I haven't read them as fast as I've read the Sharpe stories) I now have a definite picture in my mind of where everything is, thanks to you and Sharpe. I'm really looking forward to immersing myself in Richard Sharpe's latest adventure... Thanks, Sue

I say, Mr. Cornwell! What a character is your Richard Sharpe!! I'm almost through my "study" of him, with only 3 books to go, unless of course you write another one--? I say "study" because as I read, I'm making notes on every aspect of Sharpe's personality, thoughts, beliefs, appearance, etc., which brings me to the point I want to make: although Richard claims over and over that he has no faith, he can't convince me of that! Too many times, he "prays", quotes Scripture, and conducts himself in a selfless manner that gives him away. Please tell me I'm correct and that my heroic Richard Sharpe is indeed a Christian! Yours sincerely, C. Meadows

Just a quick line to say how much I enjoyed Sharpe's Fury. It meant a lot to me as I'd recently discovered my 3 x Great Grandfather Private George Hall was present at Barrosa (28th) and was shot in the thigh. but like Sharpe he was a survivor and lived till 1871. Great Story telling keep it up. Les

Dear Mr Cornwell, I was sixteen when i received a copy of The Winter King for Christmas and it is still my favourite book. I am now 27 and teaching History in Cardiff. I have read the book (and the rest of the trilogy) more times than i can remember. I still remember reading it Christmas day and late into the night. I believe it was reading that book that inspired me to study ancient and medieval history in uni and then go on to become a history teacher. This is just a note to say thank you! At the moment my girlfriend (another historian) is reading the Saxon stories and is avidly looking forward to the new book! Thanks, Neil

I am just finishing your last book to be published "Sharpe's Fury" and was getting concerned as when I have completed it I will have no more of your books to read. I will have read them all including "Sharpe's Christmas" and "Sharpe's Skirmish". I wish to thank you for providing me and many more with great pleasure in reading your books. As I have just said I was concerned that there are no more of your books available though I have been watching your site for the 4th book in The Saxon Stories and now see it is almost available, Thank Goodness, I am now going to order it at Amazon. Many Thanks again for your excellent stories and their characters - keep them coming, any of them they are all fantastic!!!!! All the best Alan Bingham

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your books, and the many hours of reading pleasure they provide. I spent a year in Iceland in '69 and am now hooked on anything alluding to Vikings. I read the 1st of the Saxon series 'cause I saw a pix of the Cover of The Last Kingdom in a book club brochure I belong to. I have since read the other two and look forward to Sword Song; as well as a book or 2 from one of your other series. Keep up the great work and God Bless.
John Robert Barnes

I already have a complete collection of "Sharpe" stories, but I have been on the lookout for hardback copies of a few of them, including "Sharpe's Eagle". Today I found a first edition in nearly new condition, including dust jacket, dated 1981 and published by Collins in London. The advertised price - £261-95!!! I've now stopped looking and will make do with my paperbacks. Flattered? David Eric Coote

Saw this answer regarding your name in the questions A: The British, but endure the stressed second syllable. I kill people who call me Bernie Good job you aren't an archer then. Bernie the bolt. Who's calling the Golden shot. Must bring back a few memories of the UK. Nigel James

Dear Sir: Please let me begin by telling you how much I enjoy the Sharpe series!!! I'm a long-haul trucker and many miles have been made bearable by the audio narrations of your accounts of Sharpe, and Harper. Fredrick Davidson's narrations are mastery of the characters in the highest degree, and now that Patrick Tull (who's greatest calling should be narrating warning labels on aspirin bottles) has replaced Davidson, there is definitely something missing from the experience. I don't know what influence you can exert to bring Davidson back to his rightful place before the microphone, but I really miss his talented portrayal of your books. I look forward to hearing (and reading) any of the stories that you write in the future. My deepest thanks, and best wishes: K Colin Robertson

Hi. I apologise in advance for any waffle that i may type as this is the first time I have left any comments on a web site. Right then, loved the Grail Quest series, great insight into the life of an archer. I never realised quite how important the English long bow was. I'm currently reading the Saxon stories, first book, which I have to say is just as exiting as any book I have read. Like other readers, I am now totally aware of your name and look out for your novels. A big thank you and although the Sharpe series does not instantly appeal to me I will endeavour to at least try one. Who knows? I may even enjoy it. Thanks again for your novels and taking the time to read this waffle, Regards, Steve